Our Rating
Summary:
4.8
Many bottled water companies use systems similar to this to produce their product, and the Home Master produces bottle quality water for drinking. Reverse osmosis removes almost all contaminants. Most RO systems remove just about everything, including minerals that are important for your health. This process can also make the water somewhat acidic, which can impact the taste. It can also cause problems with the holding tank and reduce the life of O-rings and plumbing connectors. The HomeMaster includes a system that returns necessary minerals to the water, making it slightly alkali – saving your plumbing and improving the taste.
Reverse osmosis systems are complex, and actually include several different types of filters. Installing these systems can be intimidating, and potentially bewildering if you’re not familiar with plumbing. This system should come with everything needed to install the filters and make it ready to use. There is not always enough plastic piping to install the system, however, and more might be needed. Videos are also available that give detailed instructions on how to install the filter. Hoses and connectors are color coded to make it easy to understand. However, getting a professional to install it can be a good choice if you’re unsure. A plumber can be expensive, but leaks can cause water damage that is extremely expensive to repair. Also, trouble shooting this system is sometimes necessary. Leaks can be caused by the filter not be assembled quite right, and fitting it into the space under your sink can cause other problems. It might be a good idea to have a plumber or experienced friend on hand to help.
Water flow and pressure are two areas where reverse osmosis can fall short. The reverse osmosis filtering process is a slow one, and doesn’t produce water quickly. A holding tank is required, which is filled and then supplies the faucet. The Home Master produces a better flow rate than many competitors.
Reverse osmosis systems also use a great deal of water to produce the filtered water that you drink. Up to 6 gallons of water might be used to produce 1 gallon of filtered water. The Home Master creates only 4 gallons of waster water for every gallon of filtered. Adding the permeate pump, which can be bought separately, reduces the amount of waste water used so that the system creates only 1 gallon of waste water for every 1 gallon of filtered water produced.
The filters address many problems that are common to reverse osmosis filters, including acidic water and poor water pressure. It can be difficult to install, and leaking is sometimes an issue. However, there is a 5 year limited warranty for parts and manufacture, which is quite a bit longer than many comparable units have, and it produces good, clean, healthful water.
